Robert Lloyd Russell's Blog, page 3
December 19, 2021
God Is My… , 2
~ God Is My Shelter ~
Introduction ~ Previously (July 16, 2017 – January 6, 2019) ALN posted a series of 82 posts of “Jesus is…,” and then we looked exclusively at who “God is…” from the Book of Psalms (February 9, 2020 – December 5, 2021). We are now considering “God is…” statements from non-Psalms passages.
Passage ~ “The Lord also will roar from Zion, and utter His voice from Jerusalem; the heavens and earth will shake; but the Lord will be a shelter for His people, and the strength of the children of Israel” (Joel 3:16).
~ Robert Lloyd Russell, ABUNDANT LIFE NOW blog.
* * * * *
Author web page: http://booksrlr.com/ “Books by Robert Lloyd Russell”
· Be an insider! Sign up for his Author Newsletter and receive occasional news and special offers. His books have won national and international literary awards. Subscribe today and receive a welcome gift. Your email will never be sold, given, or used in any other way. You can easily unsubscribe at any time. https://www.subscribepage.com/rlr
Daily blog page: http://robertlloydrussell.blogspot.com/ “Abundant Life Now”
· The INDEX of topics is accessed by scrolling down the left column.
· The current TOP 10 reader favorites are listed at the bottom of the page.
· Personal TOP 10 favorites are listed in the right-hand column of the blog.
Facebook page: https://www.facebook.com/robertlloyd.russell
December 18, 2021
Myth, 123
~ Angels And Demons Are All-Powerful~
Myth ~ Like most myths this is based on partial truth. It is true that they are indeed very powerful – but not all-powerful! Only God is omnipotent. Reality ~ The unseen spiritual forces are subject to God’s sovereignty and His purpose. Most importantly they are not as powerful as God. Scripture ~ “The Lord has established His throne in heaven, and His kingdom rules over all. Bless the Lord, you His angels, who excel in strength, who do His word, heeding the voice of His word. Bless the Lord, all you His hosts, you ministers of His, who do His pleasure. Bless the Lord, all His works, in all places of His dominion” (Psalm 103:19-22). “For if God did not spare the angels who sinned, but cast them down to hell and delivered them into chains of darkness, to be reserved for judgment; and did not spare the ancient world, but saved Noah, one of eight people, a preacher of righteousness, bringing in the flood on the world of the ungodly; and turning the cities of Sodom and Gomorrah into ashes, condemned them to destruction, making them an example to those who afterward would live ungodly; and delivered righteous Lot, who was oppressed by the filthy conduct of the wicked (for that righteous man, dwelling among them, tormented his righteous soul from day to day by seeing and hearing their lawless deeds)—then the Lord knows how to deliver the godly out of temptations and to reserve the unjust under punishment for the day of judgment, and especially those who walk according to the flesh in the lust of uncleanness and despise authority. They are presumptuous, self-willed. They are not afraid to speak evil of dignitaries, whereas angels, who are greater in power and might, do not bring a reviling accusation against them before the Lord” (2 Peter 2:4-11). Summary ~ While angels and demons have great power they like the rest of the universe are subject to the all-powerful one true God.~ Robert Lloyd Russell, ABUNDANT LIFE NOW blog.
* * * * *
Author web page: http://booksrlr.com/ “Books by Robert Lloyd Russell”
· Be an insider! Sign up for his Author Newsletter and receive occasional news and special offers. His books have won national and international literary awards. Subscribe today and receive a welcome gift. Your email will never be sold, given, or used in any other way. You can easily unsubscribe at any time. https://www.subscribepage.com/rlr
Daily blog page: http://robertlloydrussell.blogspot.com/“Abundant Life Now”
· The INDEX of topics is accessed by scrolling down the left column.
· The current TOP 10 reader favorites are listed at the bottom of the page.
· Personal TOP 10 favorites are listed in the right-hand column of the blog.
Facebook page: https://www.facebook.com/robertlloyd.russellDecember 17, 2021
7 Life Essentials, 7a
~ Critical Factor: Blood ~
Introduction ~ In this series we will look at the four most basic physical needs for a human to survive, and how Jesus Christ satisfies the parallel spiritual needs. Then we will look at three additional critical factors related to both our physical and spiritual needs.
Physical Needs ~ According to basic physiological understanding mankind needs four basic elements in order to survive physically: water, air, food, and light. Jesus satisfies the parallel spiritual needs. Jesus is the Living Water (John 4:10-11, 7:38). Jesus provides the Breath of Life (Genesis 2:7, Colossians 1:16-17). Jesus is the Bread of Life (John 6:35, 48). Jesus is the Light of the World (John 8:12, 9:5).
There are three additional critical factors necessary for physical life: rest, healing, and blood. Once again, we find that Jesus satisfies both the physical and the parallel spiritual needs. Jesus provides rest (Matthew 11:25-30). Jesus is the great healer (Matthew 4:23-25). It is only the blood of Jesus which provides true success in life not only on earth but more importantly in the life to come (Ephesians 2:11-13).
Key Scriptures ~ “For the life of the flesh is in the blood, and I have given it to you upon the altar to make atonement for your souls” (Leviticus 17:11a).
"Whatever man of the children of Israel, or of the strangers who dwell among you, who hunts and catches any animal or bird that may be eaten, he shall pour out its blood and cover it with dust; for it is the life of all flesh. Its blood sustains its life. Therefore I said to the children of Israel, ‘You shall not eat the blood of any flesh, for the life of all flesh is its blood’” (Leviticus 17:13-14a).
“Just as the gazelle and the deer are eaten, so you may eat them; the unclean and the clean alike may eat them. Only be sure that you do not eat the blood, for the blood is the life” (Deuteronomy 12:22-24a).
“And as they were eating, Jesus took bread, blessed and broke it, and gave it to the disciples and said, ‘Take, eat; this is My body’.” Then He took the cup, and gave thanks, and gave it to them, saying, ‘Drink from it, all of you. For this is My blood of the new covenant, which is shed for many for the remission of sins. But I say to you, I will not drink of this fruit of the vine from now on until that day when I drink it new with you in My Father’s kingdom.’ And when they had sung a hymn, they went out to the Mount of Olives” (Matthew 26:26-30).
“Then Jesus said to them, ‘Most assuredly, I say to you, unless you eat the flesh of the Son of Man and drink His blood, you have no life in you. Whoever eats My flesh and drinks My blood has eternal life, and I will raise him up at the last day. For My flesh is food indeed, and My blood is drink indeed. He who eats My flesh and drinks My blood abides in Me, and I in him. As the living Father sent Me, and I live because of the Father, so he who feeds on Me will live because of Me. This is the bread which came down from heaven — not as your fathers ate the manna, and are dead. He who eats this bread will live forever.’ These things He said in the synagogue as He taught in Capernaum” (John 6:53-59).
“Therefore, because it was the Preparation Day, that the bodies should not remain on the cross on the Sabbath (for that Sabbath was a high day), the Jews asked Pilate that their legs might be broken, and that they might be taken away. Then the soldiers came and broke the legs of the first and of the other who was crucified with Him. But when they came to Jesus and saw that He was already dead, they did not break His legs. But one of the soldiers pierced His side with a spear, and immediately blood and water came out. And he who has seen has testified, and his testimony is true; and he knows that he is telling the truth, so that you may believe. For these things were done that the Scripture should be fulfilled, ‘Not one of His bones shall be broken.’ And again another Scripture says, ‘They shall look on Him whom they pierced’.” (John 19:31-37).
“But now the righteousness of God apart from the law is revealed, being witnessed by the Law and the Prophets, even the righteousness of God, through faith in Jesus Christ, to all and on all who believe. For there is no difference; for all have sinned and fall short of the glory of God, being justified freely by His grace through the redemption that is in Christ Jesus, whom God set forth as a propitiation by His blood, through faith, to demonstrate His righteousness, because in His forbearance God had passed over the sins that were previously committed, to demonstrate at the present time His righteousness, that He might be just and the justifier of the one who has faith in Jesus” (Romans 3:21-26).
“For I received from the Lord that which I also delivered to you: that the Lord Jesus on the same night in which He was betrayed took bread; and when He had given thanks, He broke it and said, ‘Take, eat; this is My body which is broken for you; do this in remembrance of Me.’ In the same manner He also took the cup after supper, saying, ‘This cup is the new covenant in My blood. This do, as often as you drink it, in remembrance of Me.’ For as often as you eat this bread and drink this cup, you proclaim the Lord’s death till He comes. Therefore whoever eats this bread or drinks this cup of the Lord in an unworthy manner will be guilty of the body and blood of the Lord. But let a man examine himself, and so let him eat of the bread and drink of the cup. For he who eats and drinks in an unworthy manner eats and drinks judgment to himself, not discerning the Lord’s body” (1 Corinthians 11:23-29).
Comment 1 ~ Blood is essential for ALL mammal life. If you would like to learn more about the significance of blood, I would suggest the eBook ”CHRIST’S BLOOD: 7+ Amazing Benefits” which reveals more than 20 benefits from the blood of Jesus Christ on the Cross of Calvary. (https://books2read.com/ChristsBlood)
Comment 2 ~ You may find the previous ALN posts helpful:
“Blood Alphabet” (January 8, 2013), http://robertlloydrussell.blogspot.com/2013/01/blood-alphabet.html
“7 Benefits of the Blood of Christ” (March 6, 2012), http://robertlloydrussell.blogspot.com/search/label/blood?updated-max=2013-01-08T03:00:00-08:00&max-results=20&start=3&by-date=false
~ Robert Lloyd Russell, ABUNDANT LIFE NOW blog.
* * * * *
Author web page: http://booksrlr.com/ “Books by Robert Lloyd Russell”
· Be an insider! Sign up for his Author Newsletter and receive occasional news and special offers. His books have won national and international literary awards. Subscribe today and receive a welcome gift. Your email will never be sold, given, or used in any other way. You can easily unsubscribe at any time. https://www.subscribepage.com/rlr
Daily blog page: http://robertlloydrussell.blogspot.com/ “Abundant Life Now”
· The INDEX of topics is accessed by scrolling down the left column.
· The current TOP 10 reader favorites are listed at the bottom of the page.
· Personal TOP 10 favorites are listed in the right-hand column of the blog.
Facebook page: https://www.facebook.com/robertlloyd.russellDecember 16, 2021
Binary, 2
~ “Do” or “Done” ~
Scripture ~ “After this, Jesus, knowing that all things were now accomplished, that the Scripture might be fulfilled, said, ‘I thirst!’ Now a vessel full of sour wine was sitting there; and they filled a sponge with sour wine, put it on hyssop, and put it to His mouth. So when Jesus had received the sour wine, He said, ‘It is finished!’ And bowing His head, He gave up His spirit” (John 19:28-30).
Comment ~ There were two thieves crucified alongside Christ that day. They both had a binary choice. One chose eternal life and the other chose eternal punishment.
“Then one of the criminals who were hanged blasphemed Him, saying, ‘If You are the Christ, save Yourself and us.’ But the other, answering, rebuked him, saying, ‘Do you not even fear God, seeing you are under the same condemnation? And we indeed justly, for we receive the due reward of our deeds; but this Man has done nothing wrong.’ Then he said to Jesus, ‘Lord, remember me when You come into Your kingdom.’ And Jesus said to him, ‘Assuredly, I say to you, today you will be with Me in Paradise’” (Luke 23:39-43).
The Key ~ Jesus Christ told the repentant thief that he would be with Him in paradise. This is extremely significant! This criminal did not have to DO anything! Christ was doing it for him. When Christ died it was accomplished—DONE! All the thief (or you) have to do is to believe on the Lord Jesus Christ by putting your faith (trust) in His death on your behalf.
Reality ~ It is a choice between Do or Done.
~ Robert Lloyd Russell, ABUNDANT LIFE NOW blog.
FREE Author Newsletter: Subscribe today and receive a FREE welcome giftfollowed by occasional news and special offers. https://www.subscribepage.com/rlr Your email will never be sold, given, or used in any other way and you can easily unsubscribe at any time.
Author web page: “Books by Robert Lloyd Russell” http://booksrlr.com/ – 11 national and international book awards.
Daily blog page: “Abundant Life Now” http://robertlloydrussell.blogspot.com/
· An INDEX of past topics is accessed by scrolling down the left column.
· The current TOP 10 reader favorites are listed at the bottom of the page.
· His personal TOP 10 favorites are listed in the right-hand column of the blog.
Facebook page: https://www.facebook.com/robertlloyd.russell
December 15, 2021
Sabbath, 5of9
~ No Merchandising Was To Be Done On The Sabbath ~
Introduction ~ In the Old Testament the Sabbath was established as part of The Law. The Sabbath is observed from sundown Friday evening through sundown Saturday evening. In the New Testament the law of God is written on believers’ hearts (Romans 2:12-16) rather than on tablets of stone. It is the heart’s attitude which now supersedes outward obedience (Romans 10:10). Following Christ’s resurrection, which occurred on the first day of the week, the Disciples and later the Church have observed their day of rest on Sunday in remembrance of Christ’s resurrection (Acts 20:7).
Passages ~ “Now the rest of the people — the priests, the Levites, the gatekeepers, the singers, the Nethinim, and all those who had separated themselves from the peoples of the lands to the Law of God, their wives, their sons, and their daughters, everyone who had knowledge and understanding — these joined with their brethren, their nobles, and entered into a curse and an oath to walk in God’s Law, which was given by Moses the servant of God, and to observe and do all the commandments of the Lord our Lord, and His ordinances and His statutes: we would not give our daughters as wives to the peoples of the land, nor take their daughters for our sons; if the peoples of the land brought wares or any grain to sell on the Sabbath day, we would not buy it from them on the Sabbath, or on a holy day; and we would forego the seventh year’s produce and the exacting of every debt” (Nehemiah 10:28-31).
“In those days I saw people in Judah treading wine presses on the Sabbath, and bringing in sheaves, and loading donkeys with wine, grapes, figs, and all kinds of burdens, which they brought into Jerusalem on the Sabbath day. And I warned them about the day on which they were selling provisions. Men of Tyre dwelt there also, who brought in fish and all kinds of goods, and sold them on the Sabbath to the children of Judah, and in Jerusalem. Then I contended with the nobles of Judah, and said to them, ‘What evil thing is this that you do, by which you profane the Sabbath day? Did not your fathers do thus, and did not our God bring all this disaster on us and on this city? Yet you bring added wrath on Israel by profaning the Sabbath’” (Nehemiah 13:15-18).
Comment ~ To “profane the Sabbath” was to make it common – a day like any other day!
~ Robert Lloyd Russell, ABUNDANT LIFE NOW blog.
* * * * *
Author web page: http://booksrlr.com/ “Books by Robert Lloyd Russell”
· Be an insider! Sign up for his Author Newsletter and receive occasional news and special offers. His books have won national and international literary awards. Subscribe today and receive a welcome gift. Your email will never be sold, given, or used in any other way. You can easily unsubscribe at any time. https://www.subscribepage.com/rlr
Daily blog page: http://robertlloydrussell.blogspot.com/“Abundant Life Now”
· The INDEX of topics is accessed by scrolling down the left column.
· The current TOP 10 reader favorites are listed at the bottom of the page.
· Personal TOP 10 favorites are listed in the right-hand column of the blog.
Facebook page: https://www.facebook.com/robertlloyd.russellDecember 14, 2021
Spiritual Gifts, 41
~ All Spiritual Gifts Are A Blessing ~
Opening Comment ~ “Do not be deceived, my beloved brethren. Every good gift and every perfect gift is from above, and comes down from the Father of lights, with whom there is no variation or shadow of turning. Of His own will He brought us forth by the word of truth, that we might be a kind of firstfruits of His creatures” (James 1:16-18).
Key Reality #1 ~ All your gifts and talents are grace gifts from God.
Implications ~ No matter what gifts you have or how strong they are they are precious gifts from God Himself to you. Therefore, there is absolutely noroom for inferiority or superiority complexes. It is a rebellion against God to be dissatisfied with the grace gifts which God has given to you.
“For who makes you different from anyone else? What do you have that you did not receive? And if you did receive it, why do you boast as though you did not?” (1 Corinthians 4:7 NIV).
This includes all of your natural abilities, spiritual gifts, your personality and its temperament as well as your acquired skills and experience (or lack thereof). All these God given gifts combine to make you the unique image of God which He designed for you!
Since this reality does not allow for either an inferiority complex or a superiority complex just be the best you can be to the fullest – seeking excellence in all that you do.
Do not quarrel with your Maker, rather cooperate with Him and the tasks He has for you to do while you are on earth. “Woe to him who quarrels with his Maker” (Isaiah 45:9).
Scripture ~ “The gifts and calling of God are without repentance” (Romans 11:29 KJV). Literally, the gifts and calling of God are without change of thoughtor are not revocable. “For God’s gifts and His call are irrevocable” (Romans 11:29 NIV).
Key Reality #2 ~ The Scriptures include several metaphors of the Church of Jesus Christ and one of the most prominent and well-known is the human body (i.e., 1 Corinthians 12:12-31). All parts of the body are important – the prominently visible head is not more significant than a functioning heart.
This is the same lesson our Lord taught Moses: Who gave man his mouth? Who makes him deaf or dumb? Who gives him sight or makes him blind? Is it not I, Yahweh? Now go; I will help you” (Exodus 4:11-12 NIV).
Another metaphor of the Church is farming: “So then neither he who plants is anything, nor he who waters, but God who gives the increase. Now he who plants and he who waters are one, and each one will receive his own reward according to his own labor” (1 Corinthians 3:7-8).
Key Reality #3 ~ Correct Christian character is a person who is mature, balanced, complete, and fitted to serve God in the role his Creator gave him or her. “Thoroughly equipped for every good work” (2 Timothy 3:17). “My grace is sufficient for you” (2 Corinthians 12:9).
Closing Comments ~ “Let no one despise your youth, but be an example to the believers in word, in conduct, in love, in spirit, in faith, in purity. Till I come, give attention to reading, to exhortation, to doctrine. Do not neglect the gift that is in you, which was given to you by prophecy with the laying on of the hands of the eldership. Meditate on these things; give yourself entirely to them, that your progress may be evident to all. Take heed to yourself and to the doctrine. Continue in them, for in doing this you will save both yourself and those who hear you” (1 Timothy 4:12-16).
“Therefore I remind you to stir up the gift of God which is in you through the laying on of my hands. For God has not given us a spirit of fear, but of power and of love and of a sound mind” (2 Timothy 1:6-7).
“As each one has received a gift, minister it to one another, as good stewards of the manifold grace of God” (1 Peter 4:10).
~ Robert Lloyd Russell, ABUNDANT LIFE NOW blog.
* * * * *
Author web page: http://booksrlr.com/ “Books by Robert Lloyd Russell”
· Be an insider! Sign up for his Author Newsletter and receive occasional news and special offers. His books have won national and international literary awards. Subscribe today and receive a welcome gift. Your email will never be sold, given, or used in any other way. You can easily unsubscribe at any time. https://www.subscribepage.com/rlr
Daily blog page: http://robertlloydrussell.blogspot.com/ “Abundant Life Now”
· The INDEX of topics is accessed by scrolling down the left column.
· The current TOP 10 reader favorites are listed at the bottom of the page.
· Personal TOP 10 favorites are listed in the right-hand column of the blog.
Facebook page: https://www.facebook.com/robertlloyd.russellDecember 13, 2021
Question – Jesus, 116
~ Regarding The Sabbath, 2of3 ~
Introduction ~ This series is about questions involving Jesus. Some were asked by individuals involved with Jesus Christ while He walked on earth. Others are questions that Jesus Christ asked others. We will look at questions on about 130 topics (some may split into two or more posts). Even so, it is far from an exhaustive list.
Scripture ~ “And behold, a certain lawyer stood up and tested Him, saying, ‘Teacher, what shall I do to inherit eternal life?’ He said to him, ‘What is written in the law? What is your reading of it?’
“So he answered and said, ‘”You shall love the Lord your God with all your heart, with all your soul, with all your strength, and with all your mind,” and “your neighbor as yourself.”’ And He said to him, ‘You have answered rightly; do this and you will live.’
“But he, wanting to justify himself, said to Jesus, ‘And who is my neighbor?’ Then Jesus answered and said: ‘A certain man went down from Jerusalem to Jericho, and fell among thieves, who stripped him of his clothing, wounded him, and departed, leaving him half dead. Now by chance a certain priest came down that road. And when he saw him, he passed by on the other side. Likewise a Levite, when he arrived at the place, came and looked, and passed by on the other side. But a certain Samaritan, as he journeyed, came where he was. And when he saw him, he had compassion. So he went to him and bandaged his wounds, pouring on oil and wine; and he set him on his own animal, brought him to an inn, and took care of him. On the next day, when he departed, he took out two denarii, gave them to the innkeeper, and said to him, “Take care of him; and whatever more you spend, when I come again, I will repay you.” So which of these three do you think was neighbor to him who fell among the thieves?’ And he said, "He who showed mercy on him.’ Then Jesus said to him, ‘Go and do likewise’” (Luke 10:25-37).
~ Robert Lloyd Russell, ABUNDANT LIFE NOW blog.
* * * * *
Author web page: http://booksrlr.com/ “Books by Robert Lloyd Russell”
· Be an insider! Sign up for his Author Newsletter and receive occasional news and special offers. His books have won national and international literary awards. Subscribe today and receive a welcome gift. Your email will never be sold, given, or used in any other way. You can easily unsubscribe at any time. https://www.subscribepage.com/rlr
Daily blog page: http://robertlloydrussell.blogspot.com/“Abundant Life Now”
· The INDEX of topics is accessed by scrolling down the left column.
· The current TOP 10 reader favorites are listed at the bottom of the page.
· Personal TOP 10 favorites are listed in the right-hand column of the blog.
Facebook page: https://www.facebook.com/robertlloyd.russell
December 12, 2021
God Is My… , 1
~ God Is My Redeemer ~
Introduction ~ Previously (July 16, 2017 – January 6, 2019) ALN posted a series of 82 posts of “Jesus is…,” and then we looked exclusively at who “God is…” from the Book of Psalms (February 9, 2020 – December 5, 2021). We are now considering “God is…” statements from non-Psalms passages.
Passage ~ “‘So shall they fear the name of the Lord from the west, and His glory from the rising of the sun; when the enemy comes in like a flood, the Spirit of the Lord will lift up a standard against him. The Redeemer will come to Zion, and to those who turn from transgression in Jacob,’” says the Lord” (Isaiah 59:19-20).
Comment / Significance ~ Redemption is a major theme of the Bible. In fact, redemption could be considered an excellent one word description of the Scriptures.
~ Robert Lloyd Russell, ABUNDANT LIFE NOW blog.
* * * * *
Author web page: http://booksrlr.com/ “Books by Robert Lloyd Russell”
· Be an insider! Sign up for his Author Newsletter and receive occasional news and special offers. His books have won national and international literary awards. Subscribe today and receive a welcome gift. Your email will never be sold, given, or used in any other way. You can easily unsubscribe at any time. https://www.subscribepage.com/rlr
Daily blog page: http://robertlloydrussell.blogspot.com/ “Abundant Life Now”
· The INDEX of topics is accessed by scrolling down the left column.
· The current TOP 10 reader favorites are listed at the bottom of the page.
· Personal TOP 10 favorites are listed in the right-hand column of the blog.
Facebook page: https://www.facebook.com/robertlloyd.russell
December 11, 2021
Myth, 122
~ The Single Biggest Concept In The Bible Is God’s Love ~
Myth ~ There are many who believe this concept to be true. This concept tends to fuel the belief that we are all God’s children, He loves us all, and so we will all have the same eternal fate. Reality ~ As with most myths they are based on partial truth. It is true that “God is love” and that He loves each one of us. But the big concept of Scripture is “salvation” and that the only way to right relationship with God, the Father, is through the shed blood of Jesus Christ on the Cross of Calvary. Scripture clearly teaches two eternal destinies heaven or hell depending on what you do with the truth about God’s only begotten Son. Scripture ~ “Thomas said to Him [Jesus Christ], ‘Lord, we do not know where You are going, and how can we know the way?’ Jesus said to him, ‘I am the way, the truth, and the life. No one comes to the Father except through Me” (John 14:5-6). “Then Peter, filled with the Holy Spirit, said to them, ‘Rulers of the people and elders of Israel: If we this day are judged for a good deed done to a helpless man, by what means he has been made well, let it be known to you all, and to all the people of Israel, that by the name of Jesus Christ of Nazareth, whom you crucified, whom God raised from the dead, by Him this man stands here before you whole. This is the ‘stone which was rejected by you builders, which has become the chief cornerstone.’ Nor is there salvation in any other, for there is no other name under heaven given among men by which we must be saved” (Acts 4:8-12). Comment ~ What you think of Jesus, and what you do about it (doing nothing is a deadly default decision), is the most important decision you will make in life!~ Robert Lloyd Russell, ABUNDANT LIFE NOW blog.
* * * * *
Author web page: http://booksrlr.com/ “Books by Robert Lloyd Russell”
· Be an insider! Sign up for his Author Newsletter and receive occasional news and special offers. His books have won national and international literary awards. Subscribe today and receive a welcome gift. Your email will never be sold, given, or used in any other way. You can easily unsubscribe at any time. https://www.subscribepage.com/rlr
Daily blog page: http://robertlloydrussell.blogspot.com/“Abundant Life Now”
· The INDEX of topics is accessed by scrolling down the left column.
· The current TOP 10 reader favorites are listed at the bottom of the page.
· Personal TOP 10 favorites are listed in the right-hand column of the blog.
Facebook page: https://www.facebook.com/robertlloyd.russellDecember 10, 2021
7 Life Essentials, 6
~ Critical Factor: Healing ~
Introduction ~ In this series we will look at the four most basic physical needs for a human to survive, and how Jesus Christ satisfies the parallel spiritual needs. Then we will look at three additional critical factors related to both our physical and spiritual needs.
Physical Needs ~ According to basic physiological understanding mankind needs four basic elements in order to survive physically: water, air, food, and light. Jesus satisfies the parallel spiritual needs. Jesus is the Living Water (John 4:10-11, 7:38). Jesus provides the Breath of Life (Genesis 2:7, Colossians 1:16-17). Jesus is the Bread of Life (John 6:35, 48). Jesus is the Light of the World (John 8:12, 9:5).
There are three additional critical factors necessary for physical life: rest, healing, and blood. Once again, we find that Jesus satisfies both the physical and the parallel spiritual needs. Jesus provides rest (Matthew 11:25-30). Jesus is the great healer (Matthew 4:23-25). It is only the blood of Jesus which provides true success in life not only on earth but more importantly in the life to come (Ephesians 2:11-13).
Key Scriptures ~ “Then they cried out to the Lord in their trouble, and He saved them out of their distresses. He sent His word and healed them, and delivered them from their destructions. Oh, that men would give thanks to the Lord for His goodness, and for His wonderful works to the children of men! Let them sacrifice the sacrifices of thanksgiving, and declare His works with rejoicing. Psalm 107:19-22
And Jesus went about all Galilee, teaching in their synagogues, preaching the gospel of the kingdom, and healing all kinds of sickness and all kinds of disease among the people. Then His fame went throughout all Syria; and they brought to Him all sick people who were afflicted with various diseases and torments, and those who were demon-possessed, epileptics, and paralytics; and He healed them. Great multitudes followed Him — from Galilee, and from Decapolis, Jerusalem, Judea, and beyond the Jordan” (Matthew 4:23-25, parallel passages in Mark 1:35-39; Luke 4:44; 6:17-19).
“But when Jesus knew it, He withdrew from there. And great multitudes followed Him, and He healed them all” (Matthew 12:15-16).
“Now it came to pass, when Jesus had finished these sayings, that He departed from Galilee and came to the region of Judea beyond the Jordan. And great multitudes followed Him, and He healed them there” (Matthew 19:1-2).
“And He came down with them and stood on a level place with a crowd of His disciples and a great multitude of people from all Judea and Jerusalem, and from the seacoast of Tyre and Sidon, who came to hear Him and be healed of their diseases, as well as those who were tormented with unclean spirits. And they were healed. And the whole multitude sought to touch Him, for power went out from Him and healed them all” (Luke 6:17-19).
“Who Himself bore our sins in His own body on the tree, that we, having died to sins, might live for righteousness — by whose stripes you were healed. For you were like sheep going astray, but have now returned to the Shepherd and Overseer of your souls” (1 Peter 2:24-25, parallel passages in Matthew 4:24,25 and Mark 3:7-12).
Comment ~ Like everything else on earth regular maintenance is required. We have looked at some of those most critical routine things such as food and water. Even while performing regular maintenance things on earth still fail sometimes and healing is required. For physical healing we turn to our medical profession. For spiritual healing the only authentic healer is God our Creator.
~ Robert Lloyd Russell, ABUNDANT LIFE NOW blog.
* * * * *
Author web page: http://booksrlr.com/ “Books by Robert Lloyd Russell”
· Be an insider! Sign up for his Author Newsletter and receive occasional news and special offers. His books have won national and international literary awards. Subscribe today and receive a welcome gift. Your email will never be sold, given, or used in any other way. You can easily unsubscribe at any time. https://www.subscribepage.com/rlr
Daily blog page: http://robertlloydrussell.blogspot.com/ “Abundant Life Now”
· The INDEX of topics is accessed by scrolling down the left column.
· The current TOP 10 reader favorites are listed at the bottom of the page.
· Personal TOP 10 favorites are listed in the right-hand column of the blog.
Facebook page: https://www.facebook.com/robertlloyd.russell
